CelebratingtheSpring Class of 2023

Central Methodist University celebrated the graduation of 231 students at the 2023 Spring Commencement at Puckett Fieldhouse on May 13. Graduates earned their master’s, bachelor’s, and associate’s degrees.

Former Board of Trustees Chairman Robert Courtney was the featured speaker and outlined his pillars of success for the graduates and guests. Courtney, not a Central graduate himself but a great contributor to the success of the University, emphasized the importance of family and community as one makes their way in the world after college.

Courtney was awarded an honorary doctorate degree in recognition of his contributions to the University. Later in the ceremony, retiring band director Roy “Skip” Vandelicht, ’77, was also honored for his years serving his alma mater and the Swinney Conservatory of Music.

As is tradition, three students were recognized as the top award winners at the commencement ceremony, with Brad Dixon, vice president for student life, presenting the awards.

Katelyn Kiser of Kansas City was named the Victoria Award recipient. The award is given in memory of Victoria Beecroft Cutter and awarded annually to a graduating student who, in the opinion of faculty and students, has best demonstrated dedication and the principles of Central.

Kiser graduated summa cum laude with a bachelor’s degree in biology.

Tate Hanners of Marble Hill was this year’s Human Relations Award winner. This honor was established by Martha Smith Luck and awarded for the first time in 1953 to honor the student showing the most promise in human relations and human adjustment. The award is given annually to a student who “attempts to develop the ability to get along with others – the ability to understand the other fellow and develop liaison techniques in the area of human relations and understanding.”

Hanners was a chemistry major while attending Central and graduated summa cum laude.

Finally, the most prestigious award – the Selecman Award – was bestowed upon Peyton Schafer of Hermann. The award was established in 1957 by Bishop Charles C. Selecman, a former student at Central and bishop in the United Methodist Church. He requested that the award be presented to the student who has displayed the following characteristics to an extraordinary degree: good citizenship on the campus, scholarship, religious leadership, moral and spiritual qualities, and outstanding achievement.

Schaefer was also a biology major and earned a Bachelor of Science on the day, graduating summa cum laude.

Central is proud of its award winners and all its graduates who were added to an extraordinary group of alumni.